Magnetic key case



March 1952 'E. P. DIEFENBACH MAGNETIC KEY CASE Filed Nov. 10, 1948 I K ll! I i L V Z'mnenfor Eew/v P. DIEF'EA/EHCH M, m v m (Ittornegs Patented Mar. 18, 1952 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE MAGNETIC KEY CASE Ervin P. Diefenbach, Milwaukee, Wis. Application November 10, 1948, Serial No. 59,353 4 Claims. (Cl. 266-19.5)

This invention relates to a magnetic key case.

It is a primary object of the invention to provide simple and inexpensive means for safely carrying a spare automobile key or the like in any desired location in or about the engine or chassis of a vehicle. The invention is also adapted for analogous use elsewhere. The nature of the invention will be more clearly apparent from the following disclosure.

In the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a view in perspective showing an embodiment of the invention with a key disposed in a compartment which is illustrated with the cover partly open.

Fig. 2 is a view taken in longitudinal section through the device of Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a view taken in transverse section through the device of Fig. 1.

Fig. 4 is a view in bottom perspective of a modified embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 5 is a view in perspective showing a further modified embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 6 is a view partially in side elevation and partially in longitudinal section through the device of Fig. 5.

The device as shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 3 comprises a shallow box I of dimensions iust adequate for receiving the ignition key 8 of an automobile. The side margins of the container 1 are flanged slightly outwardly at 9 in the manner best illustrated in Fig. 3 for interlock with the inwardly turned flanges ID of the sliding cover I l The cover may have its face portion slightly embossed inwardly at I2 for yieldable engagement with the ends of the container 1 to keep the cover from accidental displacement from the position in Fig. 2.

Adhered to the bottom of the container 1 is a magnet which preferably has its polar faces I6, I! defined by a longitudinal channel I 8. This magnet may be attached to the container in any desired manner, as by welding at 19. It will securely hold the container 1 and its contents to any metallic surface in any desired position, a highly magnetic alloy preferably bein employed in the magnet. Thus, a spare automobile key placed in this container will be secure y held to any desired portion of an automobile frame axle, or en ine, where it will be instantly accessible but will not be readily visible to an unauthorized person.

The device shown in Fig. 4 is identical with that shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 3 exce t that two separate smaller magnets I50 and 15! are substituted for the single elongated magnet shown at l5.

The device shown in Figs. 5 and 6 is preferred, since it reduces cost of manufacture and eliminates one part, as well as eliminating a welding or cementing operation. In this construction, the magnet I52 is provided between its p lar flanges I62 and I12 with a channel I82 which has a dovetailed shape in cross section. The receptacle for the key comprises a shallow pan at 12,

the flaring sides of which fit between the polar flanges I62 and I72 to enable the pan to slide longitudinally of the magnet. The key 8 is simply placed in the pan T2, and the pan is inserted into the dovetail slide provided by the magnet body itself, thereby securely confining the key. Yet, the pan, even if made of thin ferrous metal, instead of plastic, does not so greatly short circuit the magnetic flux paths between the polar flanges as to prevent these from adhering securely to any iron object to which they may be applied.

I claim:

1. A key container comprising a shallow pan member and a closure member for said pan, one of said members having spaced and permanent magnetic poles extending longitudinally of its sides and in fixed connection therewith, said poles being exposed and of sufficient strength for the magnetic mounting and support of said pan and the contents thereof against a magnetic surface, said poles projecting from the said closure to form flanges, between which flanges the pan is mov- V able respecting the closure and poles.

2. A device of the character described comprising a shallow pan with flaring sides in combina-- tion with an elongated magnet having a body portion and polar flanges, the polar flanges being laterally engaged with the sides of said pan, and the pan being slidable between said flanges.

3. A device of the character described comprising the combination with a permanent magnet having a body portion provided with laterally spaced legs and having a slot of dovetailed cross section between such legs, and a shallow container with flaring sides complementary to the cross section of said slot and slidable in said slot between said legs, the magnet constituting a closure for the container.

4. A magnetic key support comprising the combination with a magnet having laterally spaced elongated polar flanges and a channel therebetween, of key confining means slidably connected with the magnet within said channel and including end walls disposed transversely of the channel.

ERVIN P. DIEFENBACH.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PAIEN IS Number Name Date 407,477 Ezell July 23, 1889 1,624,741 Leppke et a1. Apr. 12, 1927 1,769,415 Byberg July 1, 1930 1,952,596 Lashar Mar. 27, 1934 2,083,356 Batdorf "June 8, 1937 2,144,184 Hale et a1 Jan. 17, 1939 2,164,623 Posner July 4, 1939 2,217,514 Henry Oct. 8, 1940 2,283,543 Draper et al May 19, 1942 2,487,897 Rozsa et a1 Nov. 15, 1949 

